Rebels leave out Cipriani against Stormers

Round sixteen of the Super Rugby season gets underway on Friday with the Stormers taking on the Rebels in Melbourne.

This week, Nic Henderson returns to the side, replacing Greg Somerville at loosehead prop. Jarrod Saffy moves to blindside flanker, with Luke Jones unavailable due to Under 20 World Cup commitments in Italy. Michael Lipman will start on the openside.

Vice Captain Gareth Delve returns to the starting 15 at number 8, Tim Davidson moves to the bench. Julian Huxley will also return in place of James Hilgendorf at flyhalf. Cooper Vuna moves to the left wing and Lachlan Mitchell will start on the right wing. Adam Freier will make his debut for the Rebels, after surgery and a hamstring injury, and starts the game on the bench alongside Sam Cordingley.

Rebels Chief Operating Officer, Steve Boland said the following in regards to Danny Cipriani today. “The Melbourne Rebels administration continues to work through a number of issues with Danny Cipriani and his management. These discussions are now moving in a very positive direction, but at the moment Danny remains unavailable for selection.”